You know that feeling when your best friend hits the biggest milestone of her life and you just have to scream it from the rooftops? That’s exactly what Shelomi Sanders did when her former Colorado Buffaloes teammate, Aaronette Vonleh, got drafted into the WNBA.
The daughter of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was all in her feelings as Vonleh’s name popped up in the third round. And let’s just say, Shelomi’s Instagram said it all in eight adorable words.
Shelomi Sanders’ Heartfelt Reaction to Vonleh’s WNBA Draft Moment
Vonleh heard her name called as the 31st overall pick by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York. It marked the realization of a dream years in the making, and Sanders was right there to celebrate it, virtually. The two shared the court during the 2023–24 season at Colorado and built a strong friendship that clearly runs deep.
Shelomi posted to her Instagram story just moments after Vonleh’s selection with the heartfelt message:
“So proud of youuuuuu @aaronettevonleh I love youuu.”
Those weren’t just words, they were pure emotion. Their bond from Colorado clearly stuck, even as Vonleh went on to finish her collegiate career elsewhere.
Vonleh’s Winding Road to the WNBA
Vonleh didn’t have the typical four-year college path. She began at Arizona, transferred to Colorado where she played alongside Shelomi, and then wrapped up her senior year with the Baylor Bears. That final season turned out to be a breakout one.
The 6′ 3” center led the Bears in scoring (538 points), averaging 14.9 points per game on a blistering 58.5 percent shooting clip. She pulled down 5.8 rebounds per game and earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors.
Her standout moment came during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship, where she averaged 23 points per game and dropped a career-high 37 against No. 21 Oklahoma State, pushing Baylor into its 16th finals appearance.
Vonleh also took home the 2023 Co-Pac-12 Most Improved Player award during her time in the conference and earned an All-Pac-12 honorable mention.
Oh, and if the name sounds familiar, it should. Aaronette is the youngest sister of Noah Vonleh, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He played for several teams, including Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Now, with the Dallas Wings, Vonleh joins a young core led by No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. Her size, skill, and scoring touch make her a solid fit, and if Shelomi’s energy is any indication, she’s got an army of supporters already cheering her on.